Spanish elan meets Argentinian steel in a historic World Cup final on Sunday which sees the reigning champions of Europe and South America battle for football's ultimate prize. Holders Argentina are bidding to become the first team in 64 years to successfully defend the title, in what is almost certainly the final World Cup match of captain Lionel Messi's career.
Spain are aiming to thwart those ambitions by clinching the country's second World Cup crown following their maiden victory in 2010.
At the centre of the drama will be Argentina's Messi, the 39-year-old genius regarded by many as the greatest football player in history.
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The veteran superstar will become only the second man ever to play in three World Cup finals, matching the achievement of Brazilian great Cafu in 1994, 1998 and 2002.
Messi has enjoyed a vintage World Cup campaign and is on course for the Golden Boot after scoring eight goals in Argentina's journey to the final.
Having won virtually every major trophy in club and international football, Messi has cemented his legacy by setting several all-time FIFA World Cup records. In doing so, the Argentina captain has surpassed icons such as Pelé, Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane to rank among the tournament's most accomplished players.
Most goals in FIFA World Cup history
Messi is the leading goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 21 goals, surpassing Germany's Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16. Messi overtook Klose after scoring his 17th World Cup goal during Argentina's group-stage match against Austria and has since extended his tally to 21.
Most assists in FIFA World Cup history
Messi also holds the record for the most assists in FIFA World Cup history with 12, eclipsing the previous mark of eight set by Argentina legend Diego Maradona. He became the tournament's all-time leading assister when Cristian Romero scored during Argentina's comeback victory over Egypt in the knockout stage.
Most dribbles in FIFA World Cup history
With 107 successful dribbles, Messi has also become the tournament's all-time leader in the category, moving ahead of Maradona's previous record of 105. The milestone reflects Messi's longevity and consistent influence for Argentina across multiple World Cup campaigns.
Most goal contributions in FIFA World Cup history
Messi has been directly involved in 33 World Cup goals, combining goals and assists to set another tournament record. His tally surpasses the previous record of 21 goal contributions held by Brazil great Pelé, highlighting his sustained impact since making his World Cup debut in 2006.
Most FIFA World Cup Golden Ball awards
Messi is the only player in FIFA World Cup history to have won the Golden Ball award twice, recognising him as the tournament's best player. He also entered the 2026 World Cup final with the opportunity to claim the honour for a third time.
Meanwhile, the final may also be shaped by the conditions. The New Jersey pitch has not been kind to possession teams, with coaches and players complaining about its quality during the tournament. That could complicate Spain's rhythm and invite Argentina into the kind of broken, emotional contest they relish.
The weather may add another layer of intrigue. A hot and humid day is expected, with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), and it will be only Spain's second match in an open-air stadium at this World Cup. Wildfire smoke from Canada has also blanketed parts of the U.S. Midwest and Northeast with hazardous air, raising concerns with more than 80,000 fans expected at the final.
For Spain, the task is to keep the match clean, controlled and played to their patterns. For Argentina, it is to turn discomfort into theatre one more time.
At the centre of it all stands Messi, trying to ensure that what could be his last World Cup match ends not as a farewell, but as one final act of mastery.
(With inputs from agencies)
